Woman fulfils 18-year dream as Nigerian cafe opens in Gloucester

Maggie Everitt was joined by (from left) the mock mayor, mayor and town crier

A woman has fulfilled her dream of 18 years by opening a Nigerian cafe.

Maggie Everitt owns Ma's African Kitchen on Barton Street in Gloucester.

She was joined by the city's mayor Kathy Williams, the mock mayor Jon Eeles and the town crier Alan Myatt, at the cafe's opening ceremony on Thursday.

"It's been a long time coming and seeing it happen is really overwhelming," Ms Everitt said.

She hopes the venue, the first specialised Nigerian cafe in the city, will bring something different to the area.

Ma's African Kitchen is the first Nigerian cafe in the city

David Everitt, Maggie's husband of 11 years, said it was "amazing" to finally see the cafe open.

"We can't believe this has actually come to fruition," he said.

"She's always said she really wants to do this and she's cooked from home for a very long time."

Mr Everitt, who spoke to those gathered, said work began on the cafe in November

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the mayor of Gloucester Ms Williams, said it was an "honour" to attend.

"It's an exciting new venture and it's something different", she added.

"It's a vision that she's had for ages.

"It gives some confidence for the city - new small businesses opening gives us a bit more confidence that Gloucester's going in the right place."

Mayor Kathy Williams cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony

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